McManus savours international experience

Stephen McManus is glad he was not among the Old Firm stars who withdrew from the Scotland squad before Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Croatia at Hampden Park.

The lead-up to George Burley's first game in charge of the national side was dominated by seven call-offs, including the Rangers quartet of Barry Ferguson, Christian Dailly, Lee McCulloch and Allan McGregor and Celtic midfielder Barry Robson.

In the absence of Ferguson, Celtic captain McManus was handed the armband for the game and said: "I would have missed out on a big opportunity for myself so I am pleased to have played in it. It was one of the highlights of my career."

He added: "It was a good game to play in and I think a draw was probably a fair result.

"We had a few chances and could maybe have sneaked it but they are a very good side.

"It was very competitive game but those are the best games to play in, both sides got into each other which is the best way to play."

Niko Kranjcar's 10th-minute opener was cancelled out by Kenny Miller on the half-hour mark in a feisty encounter which featured an interesting battle between Croatia skipper Nico Kovac and Scotland midfielder Scott Brown.

The Red Bull Salzburg player was booked for a nasty challenge on the Celtic midfielder seconds before the break which resulted in Brown receiving treatment as the players went down the tunnel.

The Croatian midfielder claimed his foul on Brown was accidental and reckoned that the former Hibernian player - who was eventually substituted for Gary Teale after the hour mark - will be fit for the Old Firm derby.

He said: "I gave him my shirt after the game and I apologised and so it's forgotten - and I think he will play on Saturday."